Having a warm home in winter and low energy bills isn’t as tough as it sounds. Here are 5 DIY tips that can help you do it.

1. Weather-strip windows and doors to stop cold air from leaking in.

Leaky doors and windows are a major source of cold air infiltration, leading to cold and drafty rooms.

2. Set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise.

Warm air rises and by setting your fan to rotate clockwise slowly in winter, you can force that warm air down to help heat your room.

3. Add area rugs to your hardwood or tile floors.

Floors can be responsible for as much 10% of heat loss if not insulated. Area rugs are a perfect solution as they can prevent cold air from escaping up into your room.

4. Set a lower indoor temperature when you’re asleep or away.

A lower indoor temperature results in slower heat loss, leading to higher energy savings. Adjust your temperatures to suit your daily schedule; for example, you don’t want to waste money and energy heating an empty home.

5. Reposition your furniture.

Avoid placing furniture in front of large windows or against outside walls. The subsequent heat loss from your body to the glass will make you feel cold. Putting couches and sofas in front of radiators is also a bad idea, as they will absorb the heat, preventing the room from getting warm.

While these are quick easy fixes to immediate problems, there could be bigger issues with your home that need to be addressed if these are ongoing problems. An energy audit with a certified RESNET Home Energy Auditor can show you where the problem areas are and provide you with cost-effective solutions.